What is an ostomy?
An ostomy is a surgery that makes an opening to the tummy in order to let stool (poop) escape. This opening may also be called a “stoma.”
How will I know if my baby needs an ostomy?
An ostomy provides your baby with a way to excrete stool. It may be needed for a short period of time or for a long term basis. Indications for an ostomy may include:
Imperforate anus
Ulcerative colitis
Crohn’s disease
NEC
Injured bowel
Bowel obstruction
Volvulus
Perforation
What will the ostomy look like?
The stoma will look red, round, and wet—sometimes referred to as “meaty.” It may be raised slightly above the skin, and a little bleeding is completely normal.
Are there different kinds of ostomies?
YES! In the NICU, there are TWO very common types of ostomies that our babies receive.
Ileostomy — This stoma opens from the small intestine and will be placed on the right side of your baby’s abdomen. The stool that is voided and seen in the bag may be liquidy, watery, or runny because it has barely started the digestive process.
Colostomy — This stoma opens from the large intestine and will be located on the left side of your baby’s abdomen. This stool will be more pasty and soft and not as loose. It is normal for variations in color and content. Gas is also commonly seen in colostomy bags.
What should I expect after the surgery?
After surgery, it is normal to see large quantities of stool excreting from the stoma. A fresh, new stoma may look swollen, mushy, and irregular in shape. It may take several weeks for the swelling to subside. Your child may have some pain and discomfort following surgery and will be given pain medication by the NICU staff. In addition, your baby cannot regulate and control the flow of stool coming out of the stoma, so a pouch (bag) must be placed to collect the stool. Stool can irritate the skin around the stoma, so it is important to keep the skin clean & dry, ensure a properly-fitted wafer that has a good seal between the wafer and skin, change the dressing when it starts to lift or leak, and empty the bag often.
What are some signs/symptoms of an infection?
If the stoma turns pale, purple, black, or any color variation besides red
More than normal amounts of bleeding
Fever
More than normal or less than normal quantities of stool
Vomiting
A rounded, distended and/or firm, hard tummy that’s tender to the touch
If the stoma suddenly changes shape (after the 3-4 week post-op period)